Situation and importance
Assisi lies some 14km/9mi southeast of Perugia in the medieval region of Umbria. The town, the ancient Umbrian city of Asisium, is situated on artificial terraces on a westerly outlier of the Monte Subasio.
History
The town
, one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Italy, owes its fame to St Francis, born here in 1182, the son of a wealthy merchant, who after spending his early years in a life of dissipation devoted himself to the service of the poor and the sick, founded the Franciscan order and died in 1226 in poverty and abstinence. His life, around which are many legends, has inspired major works from famous artists (including Giotto). With its well-preserved medieval streets and houses and its treasures of art Assisi is one of Italy's great tourist sights.
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